Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

This book is a compilation of empirical data on gravity-induced sediment movement in both downslope and alongslope environments. A total of 540 case studies are used. Although the primary focus is on deep-water settings, other environments covering terrestrial, shallow-water, lacustrine, and extraterrestrial are considered. This book does not promote genetic facies models because available data suggest that most gravity flows are complex transitional kinds or hybrid in nature rather than end-member types.